Engadget reported that Barnes & Noble planned to add more features including their own app store in early 2011. That plan was postponed but it looks like it is not on track for a release in the near future according to this Barnes & Noble press release.

NOOK Color will get even better this Spring when a major update to the device’s firmware will offer customers access to explore exciting new applications, e-mail and many other requested features.

Although Barnes & Noble does not say the Nook color will become a full-fledged Android tablet, it certainly appears that the Android powered ebook reader device will soon start looking very tablet-like without the need for rooting.